Modulated physiological sensor
Inventors
Lamego, Marcelo • Dalvi, Cristiano • Vo, Hung
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12357181-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2032-08-13
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Abstract
A modulated physiological sensor is a noninvasive device responsive to a physiological reaction of a living being to an internal or external perturbation that propagates to a skin surface area. The modulated physiological sensor has a detector configured to generate a signal responsive to the physiological reaction. A modulator varies the coupling of the detector to the skin so as to at least intermittently maximize the detector signal. A monitor controls the modulator and receives an effectively amplified detector signal, which is processed to calculate a physiological parameter indicative of the physiological reaction.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a modulated physiological sensor that is a noninvasive device responsive to physiological reactions of a living being to internal or external perturbations propagating to the skin surface. The sensor comprises a detector configured to generate a signal responsive to the physiological reaction and a modulator that varies the coupling of the detector to the skin so as to at least intermittently maximize the detector signal. A monitor controls the modulator and processes the amplified detector signal to calculate physiological parameters indicative of the physiological reaction or state.
The problem being solved addresses the variability in coupling between physiological sensors and the skin surface due to differences in shape, texture, color, and elasticity between individuals and different locations on the same individual. Fixed coupling techniques often fail to achieve optimal interface, limiting the effectiveness and sensitivity of physiological measurements. The invention seeks to overcome these limitations by modulating the coupling, for example through vibration, to dynamically achieve maximal coupling and amplify the physiological signal for more accurate measurement.
The sensor uses either natural or artificial modulation to accentuate detection of physiological processes. Natural examples include tissue vibrations due to breathing or pulsatile blood flow creating modulated signals detectable by acoustic or optical sensors. Artificial modulation involves co-mounting a detector such as an accelerometer with a vibration element like a coin motor, where the vibration modulates the coupling to the skin surface at a frequency above the detector's low-frequency cutoff. This modulation generates an amplitude modulated detector output that can be demodulated to yield amplified physiological signals such as respiration envelopes or blood flow waveforms.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim focused on the core components of a modulated physiological sensor, defining the inventive features of the sensor's structure and modulation approach.
Combination of an accelerometer and a vibrator modulator generating an external acoustic wave
A sensor comprising an accelerometer configured to couple to the skin surface and generate a physiological signal responsive to a physiological process, and a modulator including a vibrator that generates an external acoustic wave separate from the physiological signal to modulate and improve the measurement of the physiological parameter.
Mechanical accentuation of coupling using a vibration element
The modulator is specifically a vibration element that mechanically accentuates the coupling of the accelerometer to the skin surface to improve signal detection.
Co-mounting the accelerometer and vibration element on a substrate
The accelerometer and the vibration element are co-mounted on a common substrate, providing a mechanical and electrical integration of sensor components.
Use of an attachment to affix sensor components to the skin surface
An attachment that releasably affixes the substrate, accelerometer, and vibration element to the skin surface, ensuring secure yet removable sensor positioning.
Inclusion of an optical sensor
The sensor system may further include an optical sensor combined with the accelerometer and vibration element to provide additional physiological measurement capability.
Use of a coin motor as the vibration element
The vibration element is exemplified as a coin motor to generate the required modulation vibrations.
Circuit board substrate for mechanical mounting and electrical interconnection
The substrate is a circuit board that mechanically mounts and electrically interconnects the accelerometer and the coin motor, facilitating integration and signal routing.
Tape attachment with dual-sided functionality
An attachment tape having a sticky side that attaches to the skin surface and a housing side that encloses the circuit board substrate, providing both secure attachment and protective housing.
The independent claim and dependent claims delineate a modulated physiological sensor comprising an accelerometer coupled to the skin surface, mechanically modulated by a vibration element such as a coin motor mounted on a circuit board substrate, affixed by a specialized tape, optionally combined with optical sensing, whereby the modulation improves the measurement of physiological parameters through enhanced signal coupling and processing.
Stated Advantages
The modulation of detector coupling at frequencies above detector cutoff amplifies low amplitude physiological signals, enabling detection of signals otherwise difficult to measure.
Co-mounting the detector and vibration element provides mechanical and electrical integration that enhances sensor performance and ease of attachment to the skin.
Multiple-element sensors on a single substrate allow simultaneous detection of multiple physiological parameters and improved directional or differential sensing.
The modulation approach allows adaptation to the variable skin surface properties of different individuals and anatomical locations, improving sensor reliability and accuracy.
Artificial modulation enables measurement of physiological parameters like respiration rate, blood flow, and heart murmurs with improved signal-to-noise characteristics.
Documented Applications
Chest-mounted sensor for sleep apnea monitoring in home or hospital settings.
Abdomen-mounted sensor for quantitative monitoring of bowel sounds and peristalsis.
Dual sensors on abdomen for diagnosing bowel obstruction, volvulus, or intussusception.
Sensor positioned over radial artery to semi-continuously monitor blood pressure.
Screening tool for sub-clinical stenosis of major vessels, providing a quantifiable measurement beyond auscultation but below imaging.
Differential diagnosis of heart murmurs aided by noise cancellation of breathing and mechanical movement to distinguish murmur patterns.
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